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[dolorous_ett]

The only annoying thing about going to China for a month (YAY!!!) is that I'm going to miss A Dance with Dragons, and just by a couple of days. Very vexing - not that I feel Betrayed or anything silly like that, but I've been waiting for years for this, and I'm going to be spending a month dodging spoilers here.

So, while I can still speculate as

Comments

[snorkackcatcher]

On 1: I go with the Standard Theory, because I think GRRM simply underestimated the Fandom Effect: "Ha! I have cunningly worked this plot line into the story in a number of subtle but fair ways that will produce a shocking but satisfying twist when I reveal it! *reads forums* Oh. Shit."

Oddball theories that might happen: Littlefinger encounters UnCat and receives the most shattering blow of his life ... shortly before she orders him hanged for messing around with Sansa. And Arya turns really dark and ends up having to be offed by one of the heroes, possibly even Jon.

[dolorous_ett]

I have to say that your arguments about the Standard Theory have an unnervingly plausible ring to them. But I'm still hoping for my version, just because I don't like Surprise!Royal Blood as a solution to plot problems.

Littlefinger encounters UnCat and receives the most shattering blow of his life ... shortly before she orders him hanged for messing around with Sansa.

I'd give good money to see that. Here's hoping!

[dolabellae]

(deep breath, plunge back into LJ)

Hello! I love your theory 3 - and it has the benefit of being cheerful, since most ideas that come into my head about what might happen in the next book fill me with a creeping dread. Very worried about Shireen and her dreams of dragons, for instance. I am just concentrating on hoping that a large percentage of good people are still alive at the end of it, especially Brienne and Pod (and that both my favourite characters, who I regret can probably not be classified as good, manage the same feat.) I'd love to meet the Sphinx again but don't know if we're going to spend any time in Oldtown.

Re spoilers, had you heard that Amazon in Germany have messed up and sent out some copies of the book early? All the more reason to be very very careful around the internet for the next couple of weeks.

(and now after that public service announcement I shall slip away and see if I can work up the courage to make a proper post of my own. It's been ever so long since I was round here...)

[dolorous_ett]

Hooray! You're still here! I've been wondering where you were and how you were... despite being a less than brilliant poster myself of late.

Yes, poor little Shireen. Who worries about Shireen? They should, as she appears to have a genuinely good heart, and those are in short supply.

And it would be great if Brienne and Pod make it through. My fingers are crossed, though I don't know if that will be enough.

I'd love to meet the Sphinx again but don't know if we're going to spend any time in Oldtown.

This isn't my theory, and annoyingly I can't remember whose it is, but someone on my f-list has come up with the idea that Alleras the Sphinx is Sarella the Sand Snake in disguise. Consider the names...

(and now after that public service announcement I shall slip away and see if I can work up the courage to make a proper post of my own. It's been ever so long since I was round here...)

I'd like to see that - though it may take a day or two for me to respond, as LJ time has been curtailed a bit of late. Hope all's well with you,

[a_t_rain]

I hope I can get a copy of the book before I leave for Australia, because I can't think of anything more PERFECT for a 15-hour flight.

OK, crackpot theories: 1) Princess Rhaenys's black kitten, Balerion, grew up to be the old black tomcat Arya is chasing in AGoT; 2) Cersei is eventually going to be strangled by the Hand's gold chain o' hands.

[dolorous_ett]

You're off to Australia? Lucky you! I hope it goes really well.

1) You could be right - it would be very GRRM for Balerion to still be about somewhere, and no longer cute.

2) Sounds plausible, though right now I think Tyrion would do his best to make sure he finished her off in person.

[dbassassin]

Just saw this: yay for China trip! When are you going?